“On an island that is becoming increasingly modernized and militarized, having strong laws for historic preservation is essential in protecting the unique identity of this island, that which makes Guåhan Guåhan,” the organization stated in a news release. “While many think that improvement must come at the cost of preservation, in reality, strong policies that promote and protect the island’s cultural resources will enhance its economy while also strengthening its sense of identity.”

The presentation will share preservation policy models from Papua New Guinea and Palau, the news release stated.

Honoring Monsignor Oscar Lujan Calvo

Independent Guåhan also will honor Monsignor Oscar Lujan Calvo, or Påle’ Skåt, the third-ever Chamoru Catholic priest, as a maga’taotao — a notable figure who helped guide the island and the Chamoru people on their quest for self-determination.

Ordained as a priest just months before the start of World War II, Calvo became an island leader during one of Guåhan’s darkest moments, the news release states. In the postwar years, Påle’ Skåt facilitated dialogue between the Chamoru and Japanese communities working to heal the wound of World War II.

He also taught some of the first Chamoru language courses at the college level, and led a 1978 protest at the Pacific Daily News over its English-only policy, the news release stated.